Spekular LEDs are like a Swiss army knife for lighting
Aug 31, 2017
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Just when you think you’ve seen all LED lighting panels that the world can have, here comes a new LED light that makes you open your wallet again. Spekular is an all-in-one lighting panel that in addition to being a “panel” can also be a ring, a strip, an octa and even a star (how do you like them catch-lights?).
The idea is quite simple and will probably be familiar to anyone that likes playing with LEDs. Each kit holds four super-bright sections that can be connected and manipulated into various shapes.
The concept is pretty interesting and you can build several configurations with the basic kit (triangle, strips, square, diamond), or buy some of the expansions and make even more configurations.
The kit holds four LED sections (30cm X 4cm), four hinged connectors, some mounting gear and gel holders and a semi-hard case.
Specs-wise, the kit is pretty impressive with high CRI (see why CRI matters here), and lots of light (each kit is like 4 150W halogens or four LED panels).
The kit is also fully dimmable (well, at least all the way down to 10%), and completely flicker free.
I can see several cool ways to use this kit. Of course, the obvious one would be to simply use the different lighting shapes. But I think that headshot and fashion photographers and videographers will go for the crazy catch light look. As will many vloggers and other YouTubers.
Other products in the system
The first thing I was curious about is a battery. And while Spekular is not exactly battery operated (i.e. no battery on the back), it can be plugged into a v mount battery via the DTAP port, and a dedicated adapter.
The Star Adapter will let you create those crazy star catch lights (or use the light as a super thin octabox-ish modifier)
Lastly, there is an expansion kit. This makes Spekular break into a three point lighting system (say for interviews) or makes extremely long continuous strip lights.
Pricing and availability
They’re out, they’re shipping now, and you can buy them at the links below
- Spekular kit: $650
- Spekular Star Adapter: $130
- Spekular Extension Kit: $130
- Spekular Battery Adapter: $130
More sample photos and videos
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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8 responses to “Spekular LEDs are like a Swiss army knife for lighting”
YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES #takemymoney
I’m having the same thoughts :)… now where’s that money haha :D
This is amazing! I like how you can make them different lengths (especially for lighting tight spaces). I need this in my life!
Those catch lights are horrifying. I guess it’s good if you are shooting sci-fi villains, though.
ahhhhhhh very cool!!
Looks cool but the prices are pretty high! 2 out of the 4 sample shots aren’t in focus also…
And you judge the lightsource by the focus??
Cool! Shut up and take my money!!!!!